When it comes to taking care of your vision and eye health, there are two types of professionals who can help you: ophthalmologists and optometrists. Although both of these vision specialists deal with the eyes, there are differences between them and the conditions that they treat. At Tyson Eye, we have experienced eye professionals, including both ophthalmologists and optometrists, to help you address any vision or eye health problems you may have.
Education & Training
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases and disorders. They have completed four years of medical school and an additional four years of residency training in ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists have extensive knowledge of the entire body, as well as the eyes, and can perform medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Meet our ophthalmologists.
Optometrists, on the other hand, are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems. They have completed a four-year Doctor of Optometry program and are licensed to provide primary vision care. Optometrists examine, diagnose, and treat patients’ eyes and can address a range of common vision problems. Meet our optometrists.
Types of Work
Due to their extensive training, ophthalmologists are qualified to perform a wide range of medical and surgical procedures related to the eyes. They can diagnose and treat a variety of eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as perform surgeries such as LASIK and cataract removal. They can also prescribe medications and perform comprehensive eye exams.
Optometrists primarily focus on correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses and provide vision therapy to improve eye muscle strength. They can also diagnose and treat some common eye conditions such as dry eye, but they generally refer patients with more serious conditions to ophthalmologists.
Better Together
At Tyson Eye, our ophthalmologists and optometrists work together to provide comprehensive eye care to their patients. Ophthalmologists may refer patients to optometrists for routine eye exams or for the fitting of glasses or contact lenses. Optometrists may refer patients to ophthalmologists for more specialized care or surgery.
If you have a serious eye condition or need surgery, it’s essential to see an ophthalmologist. However, if you need an eye exam or glasses or contact lenses, an optometrist can provide you with the necessary care. Either way, you can trust Tyson Eye to provide you with the experts you need to care for your vision.
Come See Us!
If you’ve been putting off getting an eye exam, don’t wait another day! Book an appointment to visit our expert eye doctors at Tyson Eye.
Tyson Eye is regarded as one of the premier eye care centers in Southwest Florida. Our surgeons and doctors have helped thousands of people enjoy better vision and have consistently introduced break-through technology to the area. We are committed to excellence by delivering modern technology with old-fashioned concern. We’re here to help you see better! Call us at 239-542-2020 today or request an appointment.
